emergency towing Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Manual

7
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 296 ParkSense Sensors ...................................296
ParkSense Warning Display ......................296
ParkSense Display ..................................... 297Enabling And Disabling ParkSense ..........299
Service The ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System .............................................299 Cleaning The ParkSense System ..............299
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ....299
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR
PARK ASSIST ..................................................... 301
ParkSense Sensors ...................................301
ParkSense Warning Display ......................301
ParkSense Display ..................................... 301Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or
Rear ParkSense .........................................304 Service The ParkSense Front/Rear
Park Assist System ....................................305 Cleaning The ParkSense System ..............305
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ....305
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ........................... 306
LaneSense Operation ................................306Turning LaneSense On Or Off ...................307LaneSense Warning Message ..................307
Changing LaneSense Status .....................309 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA..............309
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 311
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 312
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 318
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE ............ 319
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE ...... 319
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................ 320

REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE ... 320

Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 321
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................324
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 324
Payload ....................................................... 324Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............ 324
Tire Size ...................................................... 324
Rim Size ..................................................... 324
Inflation Pressure ...................................... 324
Curb Weight................................................ 324
Loading ....................................................... 324
TRAILER TOWING ............................................... 325
Common Towing Definitions ..................... 325Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight ............................................. 329 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................................... 330 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 330
Towing Requirements ............................... 330Towing Tips ................................................ 335 SNOWPLOW ...................................................... 336
Before Plowing ........................................... 337
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 337 Over The Road Operation With
Snowplow Attached ................................... 338 Operating Tips............................................ 338General Maintenance................................ 338
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ......................................... 339
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 339 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models........................................................ 339 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models........................................................ 340
DRIVING TIPS ..................................................... 343
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 343
Driving Through Water ............................. 343
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 344
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...................... 346
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .... 346General Information .................................. 350

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8
BULB REPLACEMENT ....................................... 351 Replacement Bulbs ..................................351Replacing Exterior Bulbs ...........................353
FUSES .................................................................. 358
Power Distribution Center .........................358
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 365
Jack Location .............................................365Removal Of Jack And Tools .......................365
Removing The Spare Tire ..........................367
Preparations For Jacking...........................368
Jacking Instructions ...................................368
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................ 372Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ...............373
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ...374
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 375
Preparations For Jump Start .....................375Jump Starting Procedure...........................376
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 377
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 378
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 379
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 380 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................381
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 382
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 383Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 384
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 384
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................384
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE .......385
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine...... 386
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle................. 389
SCHEDULED SERVICING— DIESEL ENGINE .... 389
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel......................................... 390 Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ........................................ 390 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ........................................................ 391
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 396
6.4L Engine ................................................ 396
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE ... 397
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AISIN
(AS69RC HD) .............................................. 398 Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ............. 399
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine .......... 399
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 399Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 400Pressure Washing...................................... 400
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 401
Engine Oil .................................................. 401
Engine Oil Filter ......................................... 403Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 405
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 408Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine ............................................ 409 Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine .................. 410 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine .................. 412 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel — Diesel Engine ................................. 412 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 413 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 414
Body Lubrication ........................................ 414

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STARTING AND OPERATING237
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P), and is not blinking.
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating
conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
refer to "Electronic Range Select [ERS]
Operation" in this section for further information
to select a lower gear range. Under these

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis
-
sion gear selector.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must start the
engine, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.
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242STARTING AND OPERATING
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, and
third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
and sixth gears. The DRIVE position provides
optimum driving characteristics under all
normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for
further information to select a lower gear range.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear
range will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until
the transmission cools down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer
up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic)
during hot weather. In these conditions, torque
converter slip can impose a significant addi
-
tional heat load on the cooling system. Down -
shifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to
NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can
help to reduce this excess heat generation.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY381
(Continued)
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as
described under “Recreational Towing” in the
“Starting And Operating” section. NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Air Suspension
System must be placed in Transport mode,
before tying them down (from the body) on a
trailer or flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be
placed in Transport mode (for example, engine
will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the
axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set
and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for more informa
-
tion.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
CAUTION! (Continued)
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382IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode. If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to ”Manual Park
Release” in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels
OFF the ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (with rear wheels ON the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
• Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (6–speed
transmission)
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance (8–speed
transmission) See instructions in “Recreational Towing” under
“Starting And Operating”
Automatic Transmission in
PARK
Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY383
NOTE:
Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission to
NEUTRAL when the engine is OFF.
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmission.
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 30 miles (48 km) for
8–speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the front wheels
raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or
(when using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer
to hold the front wheels in the straight position)
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels
on the ground.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
The manufacturer recommends towing with all
wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods
are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one
end of vehicle raised and the opposite end on a
towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, with ALL wheels
on the ground), IF the transfer case is in
NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission is in PARK.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information and detailed
instructions.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if
the remaining wheels are on the ground).
Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a front or rear
wheel lift is used when towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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384IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF
E
QUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency
tow hooks.
NOTE:
For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk
of damage to the vehicle.

Front Tow Hooks

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information on the
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such
as an air bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information on the Event
Data Recorder (EDR).
WARNING!
Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious
injury or death.
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow hooks. Tow straps may become disen -
gaged, causing serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or
highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE441
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for
temporary emergency use.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than
one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if your
vehicle is equipped with a collapsible spare by
looking at the spare tire description on the Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example:
165/80-17 101P.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
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554 Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming
..................... 412Differential, Limited Slip................................ 270Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 381Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 420Do Not Disturb............................................... 545Door Ajar........................................................ 133Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 26Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 409Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 33DrivingOff-Pavement............................................ 261Off-Road.................................................... 261Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water..................................... 343Dual Rear Wheels................................ 445, 452
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 145Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153Electrical Power Outlets................................... 86Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 238, 243Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 246, 250Emergency Braking........................................ 231
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 380Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 346Jump Starting........................................... 375Emission Control System Maintenance........ 143Engine......................................... 396, 397, 398Air Cleaner................................................ 403Block Heater.................................... 220, 229Break-In Recommendations..................... 230Compartment.................................. 397, 398Compartment Identification...................... 396Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 461, 464Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 209, 456Fails To Start............................................ 216Flooded, Starting...................................... 216Fuel Requirements.......................... 454, 459Identifcation.................................... 397, 398Idling........................................................ 226Jump Starting........................................... 375Oil..................................401, 459, 461, 464Oil Filler Cap.................................... 396, 402Oil Filter.................................................... 403Oil Reset................................................... 115Oil Selection.................................... 401, 459Oil Synthetic............................................. 403Overheating.............................................. 379Runaway................................................... 319Starting..................................................... 214Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 402
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...189, 384

Entry System, Illuminated................................54Ethanol.......................................................... 454Exhaust Brake............................................... 232Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 209, 456Exhaust System..........................209, 416, 425Exterior Lighting...............................................48Exterior Lights........................................ 48, 212
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 403Air Conditioning................................. 69, 406Engine Fuel............................................... 409Engine Oil............................... 403, 461, 464Engine Oil Disposal................................... 403FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 51, 141, 212Flash-To-Pass...................................................50Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 372Fluid Capacities................................... 459, 460Fluid Leaks.................................................... 212Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 421Fluid, Brake................................................... 463Fluids And Lubricants........................... 461, 464Fog Lights.............................................. 51, 355Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................84Fold-Flat Seats.................................................33Forward Collision Warning............................ 160Four Wheel Drive........................................... 246

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